(On average, we will spend over 90 000 hours at work throughout ourlifetime [1]. If this primarily entails being within an office space for you, investing some time in optimizing it for productivity is undeniably worthwhile.)

The best part? Most of these strategies are cost-free and can be implemented even in rented spaces, requiring no major renovations or extraordinary DIY skills!

1. ENSURE ADEQUATE VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY

Increasing the rate of air change rate within an office has been proven to enhance workers’ productivity while also reducing absenteeism and the spread of infectious diseases among team members. [2] Having more oxygen and fewer indoor air pollutants significantly impacts our ability to concentrate and remain alert. Remember to open the windows for, at least, a few minutes daily!

Pro tip: During winter, wait for the lunch break to do it, so you get all the benefits from fresh air without freezing the entire space! For those reliant on AC, make sure you use the right filters for your space and regularly clean and replace them.

2. MAINTAIN A COMFORTABLE INDOOR TEMPERATURE

It’s challenging to focus on composing an email when your hands and feet are consistently cold. Regardless of the season, a stable indoor temperature seems to improve our ability to deeply concentrate on tasks at hand. Studies show that the optimal range seems to be 21–22ºC [3], though small variations might apply.

Pro tip: If you are a woman, are pregnant, going through menopause or you don’t exercise regularly, you will probably thrive on slightly higher temperatures. All because of your expectedly lower basal metabolic rate! [4].

3. CHOOSE AN OFFICE CHAIR TO SUPPORT GOOD POSTURE

No one is productive when their back aches! Choosing an ergonomic office chair is crucial to enhancing our performance (and posture). The right model should offer good spine support and allow for height adjustment. To ensure you made a good choice, check if your elbows do a 90º angle when resting on your desk while seated.

(image) (Never overlook ergonomics! Invest in or request an office desk and chair that help you maintaining good posture, preventing back pain, and reducing muscular tension.)

4. OPTIMIZE DESK PLACEMENT

Not everyone has a say in office layout, but if you do seize the opportunity to position desks optimally based on your space! Ideally, place them perpendicular to large windows to benefit from natural light (refer to the point above!), and on the opposite side of your dominant hand to avoid constant shadows on your working documents and screens.

5. SELECT APPROPRIATE LIGHTING TO AVOID DROWSINESS

Do you often feel sleepy on cloudy days, even when working near a large window? Optimal lighting can signal our bodies that it’s time to get to work! Whenever possible, opt for natural light. If artificial light is necessary, avoid “very yellowish” hues that may remind your body of the end of the day and wrongly hint that it is time for relaxing activities.

Pro tip: You cannot go wrong with “neutral” lightning, around 4000/4500K. A quick walk outside during breaks or lunchtime can also help regulate our circadian rhythms and enhance overall performance.